Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?

As incidents of hair loss steadily increase, many people are wondering if stress can cause hair loss. The answer is yes. Stress related hair loss is on the rise, especially among women.

Acute stress, when dealt with effectively has no negative effects on hair growth. It is the chronic, cumulative, prolonged stress that is so destructive to our system. This type of stress causes hopelessness, anxiety, depression, insomnia and bad habits. The first noticeable physical symptoms can be changes in hair, including hair loss and other skin conditions.

Stress causes actual physiological changes in our body. These changes throw off our entire equilibrium, and affect every system of our body. Hair, being one of the fastest growing tissues is very sensitive to disturbances, and is often the first to feel the effects.

The hair growth cycle is easily disrupted, resulting in excess hair shedding and inhibited growth.
Women are particularly prone to stress related hair loss because of the hormonal connection. Healthy hair growth is dependent on an intricately balanced hormonal system.
An over or under production of certain hormones is a common cause of hair loss. The body responds to stress by producing additional stress hormones.

Cortisol is one of the main hormones involved in combating stress. Too much or too little cortisol can cause hair loss. Cortisol is produced from the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands can become dysfunctional trying to keep up with the demands of stress. Any adrenal gland disorder can lead to hair loss.

Another stress hormone involved in hair loss is corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). When stress is perceived, CRH signals the sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil. This oil called sebum creates a waxy substance on the scalp, making it difficult for new growing hairs to permeate. Excess sebum can create weak, thin, slow growing hair and hair loss.

Stress also affects the digestive system. If the digestive system is not functioning properly one may not absorb the nutrients needed to support hair growth, and hair loss may occur. Extreme stress depletes important nutrients such as selenium and zinc. A deficiency of these nutrients can lead to hair loss.

Stress hinders proper circulation. Muscles become tense and stiff, restricting blood from flowing to the scalp. The scalp depends on blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles; and to remove toxins and environmental pollutants from the scalp. When blood circulation to the scalp is insufficient the hair will suffer, making hair loss more likely.

Stress is a major contributor to hair loss and stress is involved in many of the medical conditions in which hair loss is a symptom. Stress related hair loss is usually temporary and responds very well to natural hair loss therapies such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, scalp massage, reflexology, etc.

Female hair loss can be improved or reversed in almost all cases. To learn about the types, causes. cures and preventions for female hair loss see UNRAVEL THE MYSTERIES OF FEMALE HAIR LOSS
Melanie Vonzabuesnig used aromatherapy to successfully treat her own hair loss problem. She has become an advocate for women with hair loss issues. For aromatherapy hair loss formulas and information see: VZ BOTANICALS

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